This Hearty Chicken Burrito Casserole is everything you love about a classic burrito packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, flavorful rice, melty cheese, and bold Mexican-inspired spices all baked together into one comforting dish. It’s quick to assemble, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. Every bite is warm, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, salsa, taco seasoning, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add fresh cilantro and crushed tortilla chips if using.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variation
- Replace the chicken with cooked turkey or shredded beef for a different protein twist.
- Swap the rice with cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Stir in sautéed bell peppers or onions for added color and flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure the rice is fully cooked before mixing, as it won’t soften much in the oven.
- If using spicy salsa, reduce the taco seasoning slightly to balance the heat.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking so it sets and serves more easily.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
- Pair it with a fresh side salad or guacamole for a complete meal.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice for a bright, zesty finish.
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Lightly crush the tortilla chips just before topping so they stay extra crunchy.
- Double the recipe and freeze one pan for an easy future dinner.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 22 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. -
Can I freeze Chicken Burrito Casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed. -
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, as long as the brown rice is fully cooked before mixing into the casserole. -
How can I make it spicier?
Add jalapeños, use hot salsa, or mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Conclusion
This Chicken Burrito Casserole brings all the bold, comforting flavors of a rolled burrito into one warm, melty, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s easy to prep, satisfying to eat, and perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or feeding the family with minimal effort. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!
Print
Chicken Burrito Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Hearty Chicken Burrito Casserole is everything you love about a classic burrito packed with tender chicken, creamy beans, flavorful rice, melty cheese, and bold Mexican-inspired spices all baked together into one comforting dish. It’s quick to assemble, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. Every bite is warm, cheesy, and loaded with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, salsa, taco seasoning, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Add fresh cilantro and crushed tortilla chips if using.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can swap the chicken with leftover rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
- Use your favorite salsa heat level mild, medium, or hot to control the spice.
- Add a handful of sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: chicken burrito casserole, cheesy chicken bake, easy casserole recipe